The Moraine Planning Commission on Aug. 19 voted to deny a rezoning request (R-03-2025) that would have changed about 1.5 acres at 6844 Germantown Pike from R-2 (single-family residential) to B-1 (neighborhood business) to permit a Dollar General store. The motion to approve the rezoning was denied following public testimony and staff presentation.

Nick (city planner), in his staff report, said the parcel contains a vacant dwelling that has generated property‑maintenance complaints and break‑ins and noted the application would still require city council review and a 30‑day public hearing if it had been recommended. He also stated that at the time of the technical review there had been two phone calls and six written submissions concerning the proposal and that “ODOT has no comments on this case,” quoting Scott Schmidt, the district planner cited in submitted correspondence.

Why it matters: The parcel lies along State Route 4 (Germantown Pike) and adjoins residential properties and existing B-1 parcels near South Union Road and Ellerton Cemetery. Neighbors said a commercial use there would increase truck and customer traffic on rural roads, endanger pedestrians and cyclists, and change the area’s rural character.

More than a dozen nearby residents and property owners testified in opposition. Common concerns included traffic and safety at the four‑way intersection near South Union Road, potential reductions in property values, the presence of multiple Dollar General locations within a short drive, and the risk that one chain store would set a precedent for further commercial encroachment. One letter read into the record listed nearby Dollar General locations and distances, and several speakers cited recent traffic crashes on Route 4.

Developer Josh Allen presented a short overview of the proposal and the rezoning exhibit, and landowner Orpheus Garrison told the commission he supported development, saying the area currently functions as a “food desert” and that shorter travel distances for basic items could benefit some residents. Garrison also described property‑management problems he had faced on nearby land that motivated willingness to sell.

The formal vote: Commissioners opposed the motion to approve the rezoning; the chair announced, “The motion has been denied.” The record shows at least three commissioners voting against approval. No rezoning was adopted and the case will remain closed unless the applicant refiles or requests reconsideration.

What remains: Staff said a rezoning recommendation would have moved to city council for two readings and a 30‑day waiting period before taking effect. Because the commission did not recommend approval, no council action on this application will occur at this time. Residents and the applicant may bring revised proposals or additional studies in the future.

Ending: The commission closed the public hearing after extensive testimony and continued with other agenda items. No new formal action on this parcel was taken beyond denying the rezoning request.